Do you like big, furry cats? Then you will love the norwegian forest cats. With his semi-long hair and his endearing gaze, we could think that we are dealing with a teddy bear; yes, a stuffed animal that is not only alive but also enjoys being surrounded by loved ones.
It is one of the few "pure" races, that is to say, that have not been much modified by the human being, that exist. He is big, affectionate and social. What more could you want? Let's know more about this beautiful cat.
History of the Norwegian forest cats
The Norwegian forest cat breed is endemic to the Scandinavian countries. Nowadays it has become very popular, to the point that many people want to live with an animal as magnificent as it. Of course, its exact origin is still unclear, although It is believed to be the result of mixing between prehistoric shorthair cats from southern Europe that migrated to Scandinavia and other longhaired cats from the Middle East..
What is known is that it is a ancient race, since they were already referred to in Norse mythology. There is a popular tale that says that the carriage of the goddess Freya (who represented beauty and love) was pulled by white cats of this breed, and that the god Thor (was also called the god of thunder, who represented strength) who was the strongest of all, he could not lift it.
To find a more plausible historical source, we can turn to documents left by a Danish priest who lived in Norway named Peter Friis. This man in the year 1599 classified the Norwegian lynx into three types: wolf-lynx, fox-lynx, and cat-lynx, which we now know is the Norwegian Forest cat.
In more recent times, in 1979, the FIFe (International Feline Federation) finally recognized it as a breed, and when King Olav of Norway called it a "national mascot", his popularity only increased.
Characteristics of Norwegian forest cats
These cats are large in size, with a maximum weight of 9kg. They have a strong, elongated and robust body, with the hind legs longer than the front ones. Its head is triangular, and its eyes are large, slightly oblique, almond-colored. The tail is long and hairy, how hairy they are 🙂. The coat is semi-long, double-layered, of any color except chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, colourpoint, and fawn.
These animals are made to live without problems in very cold environments, since in Norway snowfalls are a common phenomenon during the winter months. Even so, this does not mean that they must live in cold climates, on the contrary: they can be in warm places, as long as they are given specific care that we will see later.
Behavior of Norwegian forest cats
The Norwegian cat is the perfect companion for people who want the company of an affectionate furry, but without being very aware of them. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a independent cat, and also very intelligent, who will not mind spending time alone if he is left - and this is very important - with something he can entertain himself with, such as a rope hanging from the door and / or a cat toy filled with prizes -for cats- or sausages. But it will also melt in your hands when you stroke it 🙂.
In addition, it must be borne in mind that it is a cat that, without becoming hyperactive, yes he likes to move. Walk, run, jump. If you have a garden or a patio, it is highly recommended that you let him go out to explore, of course, having previously put barriers of at least 2m to prevent the cat from getting out.
If you do not like this idea, or if you do not want to take risks, you can always make your house a home for felines. For it, you can put several shelves-scraper (wooden boards that can be wrapped with raffia ropes or carpet cloth), get some scratchers -someone that is tall, that touches the ceiling-, put some tunnel for cats… Anyway. Let your imagination run wild, and your Norwegian Forest cat will surely have a great time at home, a place that is much safer than outside.
Caring for Norwegian Forest cats
Norwegian Forest cats need a series of care to be always beautiful and healthy. In addition to the daily ration of pampering, you have to brush them once or twice a day, especially during the summer which, if it is very hot, is likely to force us to brush more times. If you live in a very hot place, wipe it with a cool, damp cloth so that it can better withstand high temperatures.
It is also very important that we always leave clean and fresh water at your fingertips, and that we give you a quality diet, either the BARF diet or with feed that does not contain cereals (corn, wheat, or flour). Cereals and derivatives are one of the main causes of food allergies in cats, since these animals are carnivores and cannot digest them well. Thus, if you decide to feed them, read the label of the ingredients, which will be ordered from highest to lowest, according to their quantity. For example: 60% beef, 30% salmon, 10% potato.
Likewise, We must take them to the vet to get the mandatory vaccinations, including feline leukemia and distemper, and every time we suspect that something is wrong with him, since although he does not have diseases of his breed, sometimes his health can be weakened a little causing him a cold or a flu.
For the rest, if you are looking for an animal that is affectionate but without going to extremes, that is independent and intelligent, the Norwegian Forest Cat will undoubtedly be your new best friend. So that, Do you want to know what it costs?
Norwegian forest cat prices
Norwegian Forest cats are in high demand, and that is something that breeders know very well. Choosing the place where we are going to buy our friend is not an easy task, but there are a number of things that can help us:
- Site facilities must be clean.
- Cats have to be well cared for, with hair without knots. In addition, kittens will be active, curious.
- The manager should not be in a rush to sell you one, and he will not give it to you when he is less than two months old.
- When the day finally comes will give you the papers, both those of the pedigree and those of the first vaccine.
However, its price is around $700. You can find it for 300 euros, but it will be delivered to you without the pedigree papers.
So, if in the end you decide to live with one of these beautiful animals, just give you my sincere congratulations. Don't forget to always have your camera ready, since in less than you think, your Norwegian Forest Cat will have become a Cat Lord 😉.